In today’s educational landscape, principals face growing demands, increased accountability, developing instructional priorities, and the critical need for sustainable leadership. As veteran leaders retire and the pool of aspiring administrators becomes increasingly limited, supporting new administrators is more essential than ever.

NAESP has responded to this call through its National Mentor Training and Certification Program, a rigorous and reflective experience designed to develop experienced school leaders into effective mentors for future leaders.

A Win-Win For Mentor and Mentee

Principal-to-principal mentoring offers numerous benefits, including reduced turnover, enhanced instructional leadership, and more collaborative school environments. Effective mentoring includes structured feedback, real-world leadership experiences, and competency-based learning plans.

Mentorship is not simply a leadership responsibility but also an opportunity for mutual growth. According the research commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, these elements help build leadership capacity and ensure that principals are well-equipped to meet the complex demands of their roles.

Throughout the nine-month program, I followed a structured plan alongside my protégé, focusing first on building trust, setting goals, and understanding school culture. As the months progressed, our work deepened, shifting toward instructional leadership, problem-solving, and strategic reflection. By the end of the experience, we reviewed our journey, celebrated our progress, and recognized the significant professional and personal development that had taken place for both of us.

One of the most powerful aspects of the program was how much I learned about myself as a leader. Mentoring required me to intentionally model the values that are important to me: empathy, active listening, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth. I became more aware of how I communicate, make decisions, and build trust with others. I realized that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating space for others to find theirs. Supporting my protégé reminded me that connection is the basis of effective leadership and that the best leaders lift each other up.

Incorporating Lessons Learned into My Leadership Approach

Looking ahead, I want to take what I’ve learned and make it a real part of the way I do things every day at my school. I want to build a culture that embraces mentorship as a norm, not an exception. Whether through formal peer coaching or informal feedback conversations, I believe all educators benefit from opportunities to reflect, collaborate, and grow together. I also plan to make more time for meaningful conversations with my staff, creating space for discussions that center not just on performance but also on purpose, goals, and professional aspirations.

I want to lead a school that values intentional reflection. Revisiting my “why” helped keep me grounded, focused, and inspired amid the daily demands of school leadership. I plan to carve out time for both individual and team reflection, ensuring we all stay aligned with our mission and committed to continuous improvement. The mentorship program reminded me that leadership is always a work in progress, shaped by the people around us and the connections we make along the way.

The NAESP National Mentor Training and Certification Program gave me more than a certificate; it gave me a renewed perspective on leadership, a stronger sense of purpose, and a deeper commitment to mentoring others.

About the NAESP Mentor Program

The next NAESP Virtual Leadership Immersion Institute Training program is Nov. 19-20. Participants receive 15 professional development hours upon completion of the program. I encourage you to invest in yourself and the future of our profession. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Tara Falasco is principal of Blue Point Elementary School in Blue Point, New York.